They said "too bad", we are not responsible for personal property and can't be bothered to check pockets. How can I get them to pay for replacements, about $2000 since still under warranty? And also keep relationship with Facility friendly so my Mom won't suffer in revenge?
HA's are a problem even in the best of facilities, it is unrealistic to expect staff to shake out every item in the laundry or go through hundreds of pockets, just as it is unrealistic to expect cleaning staff to sort through every trash can and dining staff to uncrumple every napkin. It is unfortunate that facilities aren't more up front about this issue because I'm certain your mother won't be the first or last with lost or damaged hearing aids - the only good solution I have seen is to have them kept on the med cart and handed out with the morning meds and locked away at night, and even that isn't foolproof.
I did that here in AZ. The county's ombud at that time is now the head for the whole state. And we have spoken several times. She is amazing!
Another thing is your contract with the facility. There may be something there about lost items or laundry policies. But no matter, you could still have recourse. Call nursing home licensing bureau in your state or Area Agency on Aging. (That's where the ombud's office usually is by the way)
Good luck.
Take care, stay healthy and many blessings.
C.J.
I have 95 yr dad in NH and I can't visit. This is killing me.